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A Brief History of Peoria Church
Benjamin Hahn and wife Anna left Fredrick's County, Maryland in 1841 planning to homestead in Nebraska. Arriving in Miami County, Indiana in the same year, they camped overnight in Butler Township, about 200 yards east of the site of the former Butler School. Their two year old son passed away during the night.. Due to the child's death, Mrs. Hahn refused to continue the journey. The Hahn's built a house and claimed the surrounding land. In 1844, the United States government granted them 80 acres. In 1856, Mr. Hahn was converted into the Church of God faith. Being both masons and carpenters Benjamin and his son, William, built the original church themselves. In 1873, Hahn's family moved to Nebraska and Benjamin signed over his property, including the church building to E.H. Shirk. Mr. Shirk sold the land and church building to Hezikiah Crull who then was about to sell the church for the lumber in it. In 1882, the people of the community bought the land where the church stood. The deed to the property was designated to no particular denomination, but was owned by all who worshiped there. They named their church The Peoria Union Church. In 1914 the church was remodeled. A basement was dug and a furnace was installed with one large register in the center of the floor. Also, in 1914, the large chairs in the pulpit area were purchased and the Sanctuary stained glass was installed. In 1914 The Ladies Aid was formed. In 1939, the Peoria congregation joined the Methodist conference and became Peoria Methodist Church. The Ladies Aid became The Society of Christian Service. The Mississinewa Reservoir Project required the relocation of the church building. The church was moved on August 23, 1962 to its current location at 325 South just west of Peoria. The 60 ton structure was moved 1/4 mile north and west through a corn field in less than 2 hours. The church was again remodeled including the addition of a central heating system. A new lectern, pulpit, and solid black walnut alter rail were added. Also new pews were donated by church families. In 1997, by unanimous membership vote, Peoria United Methodist Church withdrew from the United Methodist Conference and became a non-denominational church with the name of Peoria Church. Peoria Church celebrated 150 years of service to our Lord in 2006. Peoria Church continues to grow and has been very blessed. Peoria Church offers Vacation Bible School each summer, weekly bible study, and of course Sunday service. Special services include Ash Wednesday, Christmas Candlelight Service, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and summer baptisms at Seven Pillars. Special fund raising events each year are the annual black kettle chili dinner the first Saturday in November and the ice cream social with entertainment the first Sunday following the Fourth of July week |
| Submitted by Don Kunkle on 27
January 2024 |